Wet, short but exciting day at IPM 2018

(Submitted photo)

Before the rain, things were going great on day three of the 2018 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM 2018), At 9 a.m., Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay, led the tractor parade to the plowing competition fields. Speaking of the many displays and activities of IPM 2018, MacAuley said, “Farmers are big businessmen and women, and this is just a small example of what’s involved.“

MacAulay added that IPM 2018 plays an important role in publicizing the importance of agriculture to our country: “It’s a big show, a big display,“ he said. “It’s important for people to realize that, if you had a good meal this morning, thank a farmer! We have a big responsibility as farmers.”

Minister MacAulay toured Laprise Farms brussel sprouts packing facility with Jean-Marie Laprise, Mayor of IPM 2018 Tented City and, by 10:30 a.m., was at the World Records Tent for a Guinness World Record attempt for Most People Bobbing for Apples at One Time. The attempt was made in a tent at the IPM in the midst of a rainstorm. The committee needed more than 597 people taking part to qualify.

Given the rain and the fact some of the individually numbered tags issued to participants became very soggy there were some questions about the counting and the evidence is under review by Guiness World Records.

“It does create energy, you do what you have to do, and if it happens it happens,” says IPM 2018 Project X Co-chair Mary Anne Udvari. “Everyone is having fun.”

Due to persistent rainfall, just past noon organizers of the 2018 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo closed Tented City, its activities and displays for the remainder of Thursday, September 20th.

“We are closing Tented City because of our concern for the safety of our visitors, volunteers, and exhibitors − and because we need to maintain the integrity of the land,” said Cathy Lasby, Executive Director of the Ontario Plowmen’s Association.”

The RV Park remained operational, and scheduled entertainment in the RV Park proceeded. Most plowing activities also continued.

IPM 2018 crews are working to drain and grade the Tented City site and officials are hopeful it will be dry and that full activities will resume on Friday. For the latest updates, visit the IPM 2018 Facebook page at www.facebook.com/IPM2018.

Coming up on Friday:

– Former Lac-Mégantic, Quebec Fire Chief Denis Lauzon will be the Feature Speaker on the Pride Seeds Main Stage from noon to 12:45 p.m. to discuss the rail car tragedy that took place there in 2013.

– Queen of the Furrow contestants will deliver their speech in front of the Pride Seed Main Stage crowd starting at 9:30 a.m. (runs until about noon).